Automatic switch for light and power circuits and the like.



P. H. MQCORMACK.

AUTOMATIC SWITCH FOR LIGHT AND POWER CIRCUITS AND THE LIKE. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 17, 1908. 91 8,489.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Patented Apr. 13, 1909.

P. H. MGGORMACK- AUTOMATIC SWITCH FOR LIGHT AND POWER. CIRCUITS AND THE LIKE. APPLICATION FILED MAE. 17, 19,08.

91 8,489. Patented Apr. 13, 1909. F 0 5 2 SHEETS-SHEET Z. 56 56 zttys Ill) UNITED STATES-PATENT OFFICE.

PATRICK H. MCOORlVlACK, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

AUTOMATIC SWITCH FOR LIGHT AND POWER CIRCUITS AND THE LIKE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented April 13, 1909.

Application filed March 17, 1908. Serial No, 421,697.

To all whom itmay concern:

lie it known that I, PATRHJK ll. MCCOR- nun, a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of New York, county of New York, and State of New York. have invented a certain new and useful Automatic Switch for, Light and Power (ircuits and the Like, of which the following is a specification.

M y invention relates to automatic switches for light and power circuits and the like, and tosystems comprising such switches. The intention is that a system shall comprise a plurality of such automatic switches, each controlling a lamp or a plurality of lamps or a motoror a plurality of motors, or other devices for utilizing electric energy, the several switches being arranged to place the lamps, motors, or other devices controlled by them in circuit, successively, so applying the load to the generator gradually.

My invention consists in a novel construction of the switch operating mechanism, in the' novel means for causing the several switches to operate successively; and in various other features hereinafter described and more particularly pointed out in the claims.

The objects of my invention are, to place a plurality of lamps, motors, or other devices for utilizing electric energy, in cir cuit successively, so as to, apply the load to the generator gradually; and to make the,

switches by which this is done, simple, compact, not liable to derangement, positive in action, and relatively inexpensive.

I will now proceed to describe my invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In said drawings: Figure 1 shows a front elevation and partial section of the switch; Fig. 2 shows a side elevation and partial section thereof; Fig. 3 shows a detail elevation and partial section of parts of the mechanism for operating/the main switch contact; Fig. 4 shows a detail perspective elevatio of the solenoid cutout mechanism; Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view showing a lighting system comprising theseswitches; Fig. 6 is a detail perspective elevation showing the contact devices by which one switch controls the next in the series; Fig. 7 is a detail perspective View of parts of the main switch contacts; Fig. 8 is a detail top View showing one of the stationary contacts and one of the movable contacts of the main switch; and Fig. 9 is a detail side view of such movable contact.

In the drawings, 1 designates a magnet foroperating the switch, here shown as a solenoid magnet; and 2 designates the core or plunger armature of the solenoid. This core 'or plunger is arranged to be drawn up by the solenoid, when the latter is energized, against the action of a suitable retracting device such as the spring 3; and I provide suitable means for controlling the rate of upward movement of the plunger, such for example, as the escapement wheel 4 and pendulumcontrolled escapement .5, the escapement wheel 4 being connected to and arranged to be rotated by the plunger 2, by means of a pinion (3, engaging rack teeth 7 formed in the plunger.

The plunger is provided with a transverse pin 8 working in guide slots 9 in brackets 10 by which the solenoid 1 is supported from the base plate 11.

For operating theswitch contacts I pro vide a shaft 12 rotatably mounted and carrying a four pointed star wheel 13; and a pivoted pawl 14 carried by the plunger is arranged to engage the points of this star wheel during the upward movement of the plunger, rotating the star wheel 13 and shaft 12 90 for each upward movement of the plunger. To hold the shaft 12 stationary except when it is being rotated as'described, I provide on shaft 12 a cam 141 with which a spring jockey 15 engages.

According to the desired plan of operations of this switch, as soon as the.switch contacts have been operated during the up ward motion of the plunger. a circuit leading to the solenoid of the next'similar switch ofthe series is closed and then, the plunger moving upward still farther, suitable contacts are operated to open the circuit of the solenoid and permit the plunger to drop. For closing the circuit to the solenoid of the next switch I provide a knife switch comprising a knife 16 having a cam frame 17 and spring leaves 18 adapted to receive the knife 16 between them: and I further provide a hlding magnet 19, the armature 20 for which is mounted upon the frame 17.

This magnet 19 is in a shunt circuit which is closed as soon as the knife switch 16-18 is closed. The cam frame 17 is operated bythe pin 8 above referred to, said pin pushing the cam toward the contact leaves 18, as the plunger 2 rises, and then passing beyond the cam.

For breaking the circuit of the solenoid I provide-a pivoted bell crank switch knife 21 adapted to enter between leaves 22 SllPu ported on a convenient stationary portion of the machine, the switch knife 21 being arranged to be operated by a pin 23 carriedby the plunger 2.

Without limiting myself in any way to the use of any particular type of main switch contacts, I will say that the particularform of switch contacts shown in Figs. ,2, 7, 8 and 9, is well adapted for use where currents of considerable amperage and high voltage are to be used. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the fixed contacts are mounted upon an upright bracket 24, and the movable contacts are mounted upon arms 25 of insulating material carried and rotated by shaft 12. As shown particularly in Fig. 7, the fixed contacts comprise brackets 26, usually and preferably of insulating material, arranged to be secured to bracket or support 24, and to have secured to them blocks 28 of insulating material, to opposite sides of which are secured spring contact plates 29 and 30, electrically connected to screws 31 and 32 respectively adapted to project through suitable holes in bracket 26 andto form binding posts for the attachment of circuit conductors. 7 the block 28 with'the spring contact plates thereon is shown detached from bracket 26 but nearly in position to be-attached thereto, and in the same figure I have indicated in dotted lines the position of such block when actually attached to the bracket. As shown 'in Fig. 9 the movable contacts consist each of a U-shaped spring piece 33 carried by the arm 25 and adapted to embrace the spring contact plates29 and 30. Customarily I provide two arms 25 on shaft 12, for the same circuit, so as to break both sides of the circuit at the switch; and it will be noted that with the. construction shown no current passes through the arms 25; the current passing from contact plate 29 for example, through contact piece 33 to. contact In Fig.

38, 38 desig electric current may be used instead, such for example as motors, electric heaters, etc.

Fromconductor 36 there is, for each switch,

a conductor 39 leading to one stationary contact 40 of-the switch, and thence, through the contact, (if circuit be completed there) to the lamp 38 and back to the opposite contact 41 of the switch and (if circuit he tffililpleted there) through conductor 42 to the return lead 37.

There is, at the central station or other.

that switch and the switchmagnet 4 6 and conductor 44 to the solenoid cutout contact device 45 (shown in detail in Fig. 4) of the first switch and thence, through the solenoid 1 of that switch to return conductors 42 and 37. The circuit 44 and the similar circuits 441, 442 etc., I will term hereinafter switch controlling circuits. The switch circuit 441 extends from conductor 39 of the'switch circuits of the first switch through switch circuit contact l618 and magnet 19 of the first switch to the solenoid cutout 45 of the second switch; and similarly the switch circuit 442 extends from conductor 39 of the circuits of the second switch through the switch circuit contacts and magnet 19 ofthat switch to the solenoid cutout of theswitch beyond, and so on.

The operation of the system, and of the switches therein, is as follows: The central station switch 43 being closed by hand or otherwise, a circuit is completed through this switch and the cutout contact 45 of the controlling switch of the first lamp 38 and the solenoid of that switch back to return conductor 37, whereupon the plunger 2 of that solenoid rises, i,ts pawl 14 engaging the star wheel 13 and rotating the shaft 12 and switch arms 25 through a quarter circle, so completing circuit through switch terminals 40 and 41 and lamp 38. The pin 8, engaging with the cam frame 1? of the signal circuit contact. device of the first switch, moves the switch knife 16 into contact with the contact springs 18 a sutiicienttime after circuit has been closed through the first lamp 38 to give the desired gradual application of load to the main circuit. Thereafter the pin 23 carried by the plunger 2 operates the solenoid cutout 45, so breaking the circuit 44 through the solenoid of the first switch and permitting the plunger 2 of that switch to descend. In its descent the other parts of the switch are not afiected, pin 8 passing cam frame 17 idly and pawl 14 passing star wheel 13 idly. Upon the closing of contact 1618 of the first switch. a circuit was completed through the holding magnet 19, and

thereby contact 1618 is held closed tem porarily'. lVhen circuit 4% is broken at solenoid cutout 45 of the first switch, however, the arn'iature of the central station switch 4-3 flies back, again breaking circuit n w that when, in the descent of the plunger 2 of the first switch'the solenoid cutout 45 closes again, this circuit 44 will never-the less remain open. The rise of plunger 2 is so regulated by the retarding device el5, that perceptible intervals of time intervene between the several operations of the switch. Circuit 441 having been closed as just described, the switch of the second lamp 38 operates in the same manner, and in its operation breaks circuit 441, so deenergizin the holding magnet 19 of the first switch, wnereupon the switch knife 16 thereof breaks contact with the contact springs 18, being caused to do so both since it is overbalanced andbecause of the retractile spring 50.

By suitably proportioning the pendulum ofthe escapement 5, the operation of each of the switches may be caused to consume any length oftime desired. and so the load may be applied to the circuit 3637 as gradually as desired. The throw-oi'i' of the load may be equally gradual and may be accomplished by the automatic switches: for the various lamps 38 being. in full operation, if the central station switch 43 be again closed, the automatic switch of the first lamp 238 will operate, rotating its switch arms 25 through another quarter turn, so breaking the circuit of the lamp 38 at terminals +0 and 41. and at the same time breaking circuit at and causing the central station switch r?) to open. and the operation of the switch of the first lamp will in turn energize circuit 441 and cause the switch of the second lamp to operate. cutting out that lamp and so on.

What I claim is 1. A switch comprising in combination a reciprocating member, means for operating the same, main switch contacts, means operated by said reciprocatingmember for operating said contacts during motion of said member in one direction and for permitting motion of said member in theopposite direction without operation of said contacts, auxiliary contacts and means operated b said member for operating them, a cutout or the operating means of said member, arranged to be operated thereby, and means controlling the rate of movement of said member.

2. A switch comprising in combination operating means, main switch contacts, auxiliary contacts, a cutout for said operating means, and a reciprocating member operated by said operating means and comprising means for operating said main contacts, auxiliary contacts, and cutout in the order named when said member is movedin one direction, arranged to permit motion of said member in the opposite direction without operation of said main and auxiliary contacts, and means for retarding the motion of said member.

23. A switch comprising in combination an operating magnet, main switch contacts, auxiliary contacts, a cutout switch for said magnet, an armature and means operated therearranged to operate said main contacts, a uxiliar'v contacts, and cutout and to permit return movement of said armature without operation of said main and auxiliary contacts, and retarding means for said armature.

r. A switch comprising in combination an operating magnet, main switch contacts, auxiliary contacts, a cutout switch for said magnet, an armature and means operated thereby arranged to operate said main contacts, auxiliary contacts, and cutout and to permit return movement of said armature without operation of said main and auxiliary contacts, and electromagnetic holding means for said auxiliary contacts adapted to hold said contacts closed.

A switch comprising in combination an operating magnet, main switch contacts, auxiliary contacts, a cutout switch for said magnet, an armature and means operated thereby arranged' to operate said main contacts, auxiliary contacts, and cutout'and to permit return movement of said armature without operation of said main and auxiliary contacts, and a holding magnet for said auxiliary contacts in a circuit passing through them.

6. A switch comprising in combination main swi'tch contacts, a rotary member for operating'them comprising a toothed member. an operating member provided with a pawl arranged to engage the teeth of said member when the operating member .15 moved in one direction, and to pass sald toothed member idly when the operating member is moved in the opposite direction, an operating magnet for said operating member, a cutout for said magnet arranged to be operated by said operating member after operation of the contacts thereby, and means controlling the rate of movement of said member.

7. A switch comprising in combination main switch contacts, a rotary member for operating them'comprising a toothed member, a solenoid, a plunger therefor provided with a pawl arranged to engage teeth of said toothed member when the plunger tis moved in one direction, and to pass said toothed member idly when the plunger is moved in the opposite direction, a cutout for said solenoid arranged to be operated after the main switch contacts are operated, and means controlling the rate of movement of Ftlld plunger.

8. A switch comprising in combination main switch contacts, an operating magnet,

&

an armature therefor and means operated ating it, a cutout for the operating magnet {nut-by for operating said main switch con,-

tacts when said armature is moved in one direction, auxiliary contacts, a pivoted operating cam therefor, means operated by said armature for engaging said cam and operating it, and a magnet adapted to hold said auxiliary contacts closed.

S). A switch comprising in combination main switch contacts, an operating magnet, an armature therefor and means operated thereby for operating said main switch contacts when said armature is moved in one direction, auxiliary contacts, a holding magnet therefor, a pivoted cam for said auxiliary contacts arranged to operate them and carrying an armature for said holding magnet, and means operated by said first named armature for engaging said cam and operating it.

10. A switch comprising in combination main switch contacts, an operating magnet, an armature therefor and means operated thereby for operating said main switch c0ntarts when said armature moved in one direction, auxiliary contacts, a holding magnet therefor, an operating cam for said auxiliary contacts, means operated by said armature for engaging said cam and operarranged to be operated by said armature, and retarding means for said armature.

11. An electric distribution system comprising in combination main currentleads, a plurality of current-utilizing means, and a plurality of switches therefor having contacts to connect and disconnect same with reference to the main circuit and having also operating magnets, auxiliary switchcircuit contacts, holding magnets, cutouts for the operating magnets, and means controlling the rate of operation of said switches, a general control switch having a control magnet, a switch circuit passing through contacts of said general control switch and i the magnet thereof, through the cutout and magnet of one of said plurality of switches, and asimilar switch circuit passing through the auxiliary contacts and holding magnet of that switch to the cutout and magnet of another of said switches.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

PATRICK 'H. McCOR-MACK. Vitnesses H. M. MARBLE,

FRANK E. ROFFMAN. 

